I DON'T like double standards, so when I see believers calling out atheists for being disrespectful, but then rally behind abusive believers, I will call foul on that.
As well you should.
I don't like double standards either. Denouncing an entire group of people for their particular faith because of the actions of some, is also a double standard, when you do not stand for that upon yourself. (speaking in general here)
Have you noticed, abuse aside, that the nonbelievers on this board don't tend to defend each other from simple insults?
Sometimes they do. I don't notice all that many insults coming their way for their non-faith though.
Have you noticed that the believers are usually the ones on the defense? Perhaps that is why they come to one another's defense more. Perhaps they come to one another's defense out of love for that person, or a bond. Probably different in every scenario.
Or perhaps we are both seeing with a bit of bias on this one. Might not be as many differences as we tend to think, except for what we are looking for.
I've often said that Cofty doesn't need me to defend him, and he doesn't.
Why would he? Cofty can handle his own.
If I thought he was being abused, as in when EP was being accused of being an alcoholic etc, that is different.
You don't know the history surrounding that. I like EP and consider him a friend... but that man MORE than gives as good as he gets. He can definitely handle his own.
As can I. As can you. As can many of the strongly outspoken people here, believer or not.
We don't really see ourselves of victims in need of defense.
Good. I'm wondering at your point though. I don't see myself as a victim in need of defense.
We see ourselves more as fighters out to change things and how people form their opinions.
Well, there you have it. You see yourself as a fighter out to change things. I guess I get drawn into fights, but I don't really see myself as a fighter. I guess i want to speak against lies, and I think you mostly want the same. We just have a difference of opinion on what consists of lies.
Individuals will judge as they see fit, and they have that right. I will not date a believer. I am prejudical with that, and don't hide the fact. But I don't reject friends and family based on such criteria.
Okay. Well, i'm married to an atheist, lol. And I don't really care at all what anyone is... I care about what they do, how they treat others. Regardless of their faith/non-faith. I do feel comfort and peace around those who have faith in Christ, as I do, because those are people of peace and of love.
That is not to say that all christains are like this... but i feel a great peace when i recognize those who are.
I also see that the nonbelievers on the board all tend to be more direct and to the point.
I think that would depend upon the person. But perhaps.
Some see this as disrespectful, but I think it shows something deeper. Our worldview is different. We tend to see things and state them, and we feel no need to couch such observations in a lot of language that softens them. I don't know why that is, but it is.
Direct and to the point is not disrespectful, though it can be harsh. However, when a believer is direct and to the point, they are considered to be rude and nasty or perhaps abusive by non-beleivers as well. So... perhaps it is just when someone is direct and to the point in their disagreement or their truth, that disagrees with your truth, regardless of whether they are a believer or non-believer.
If someone is trying to soften something, it might simply be because they are trying not to offend or hurt someone else. Or they are trying a more gentle approach so as not to argue, but rather in the hopes of discussing and learning.
Perhaps it has something to do with us putting emotion second to reason, and wanting to cut through the bullshit and just get to the meat of the matter. Maybe it is because we don't feel personally offended as often, and it blows our mind that believers are so easy to offend.
Perhaps.
But I think non-believers are just as easily offended as anyone else.
Maybe it is because we are minorities in the world, and so we speak more strongly as we don't have the luxury of being laid back about things. Maybe we resent that we must call ourselves ATHEISTS and therefore define our very selves relative to our relationship with your god. It seems quite silly.
You don't have to call yourself anything. But if you are going against what has always been, and still is, then i don't think there is any way around that. And perhaps it is because you are being labeled something or judged on the basis of your non-faith. So it is little wonder that you do the same to people who are of faith.
But both stances are wrong.
However, if you think belief is mere superstition that is slowly going to die out as people progress and evolve... then you DO have the luxury of being laid back (at least as much as anyone else has that luxury). Because it would be inevitable.
All I can say is that in person, I'm pretty much the same. Ask anyone. Noni knows me. I haven't destroyed any relationships by voicing my opinions or debating. I do prefer the company of nonreligious people, because they see things the way I see them and they don't offend as easily.
I'm quieter in person. Well, unless I'm comfortable around people or unless someone is wiling/wanting to engage, or asks questions that I can answer. Then I can get pretty animated ;)
Peace,
tammy
